ABOUT
US
We want to see that animals will be around for many generations to come. Scroll down to learn more about what type of organization it takes to accomplish that desire in North Alabama.
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OUR
STORY
There have been people and groups before that have had the idea to bring a zoo and/or aquarium to Huntsville. As one of the founders of NALZS said, "Lots of people have ideas to do or make something. At some point it is time to do it." After some research and planning, we are doing it.
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Our journey started with a daddy-daughter date to the Birmingham Zoo. One of the purposes of zoos is to inspire people. That day, it inspired a question. Watching the peace and joy on the visitors' faces as they connected with the animals caused the question to be asked, "Can Huntsville have a place like this?"
A small group of people got together to research the plausibility of answering that question. After doing market research, creating a rough plan, and talking to some zoo executives, the answer came back - Huntsville would be a great place to have a zoo. A nonprofit was formed on August 8th, 2019, and called the North Alabama Zoological Society. A more comprehensive business plan and board of directors were created. Meetings were held with local government officials who shared their excitement to have someone take up this effort. Then on January 9th, 2020, the society put up a billboard announcing an awareness campaign called, “A Zoo For You, North Alabama” to let the public share in the excitement. The initial excitement and support was overwhelming.
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During that initial wave of excitement, it became clear than the people of North Alabama not only want a zoo, they also want an aquarium. We heard the public and modified the business plan to include aquarium elements. During the pandemic we were then approached by a group that had been working on an Alabama aquarium concept. Their vision and plan mirrored our own. We have since brought them in to be a part of NALZS. This has strengthened several facets of our effort.
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We vow to continue so stay tuned for more of the story as it unfolds.
WHO
WE ARE
A registered State of Alabama Nonprofit Corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status
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Approximately 80% of zoos and aquariums are run by nonprofit organizations
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By definition, no one owns any share of the corporation nor can anyone receive any share of its profits. It is governed by an unpaid Board of Directors and ran by a volunteer corporate staff.
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Zoological Society
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A zoological society is an organization interested in promoting fields of study, preservation, and conservation related to the animal kingdom.
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While a zoo and aquarium is a major focus, we are not waiting until we have one. We are actively engaged is conservation and education activities in the community today.
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“A Zoo For You, North Alabama”
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Campaign umbrella for fundraising and creating public awareness for the forthcoming combination zoo and aquarium. Click here to learn more.
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You can see more of what we did last year in our Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report.
OUR
MISSION
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Connect the communities and visitors of North Alabama with the world’s wild places and wildlife;
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Be a standard of conservation, research, action, and education;
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And inspire a better tomorrow;
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while establishing a world-class zoo and aquarium.
SEE
WHAT WE HAVE DONE
Gifts are our lifeline. It is through the support of our loyal supporters that the zoo will come to live in North Alabama. Every gift counts! Your support is critical to our future. All financial and in-kind gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
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In return, it is important that we keep you up to date on the progress. With the button below, supporters and stakeholders can read published studies, newsletters, and reports that we put together for the public.
